A peer of the realm is to object to a controversial plan to build wind turbines on land he donated to a relative in the Colne Valley.
Lord William Legge, the Earl of Dartmouth was the former owner of land on Slaithwaite Moor which has been earmarked for a project by Valley Wind Co-operative.
The co-operative hopes to build three 99.5m turbines on the 3.13-hectare (7.7 acre) site.
Now the UKIP MEP for South West England, and owner of land surrounding the site, has told the Examiner he will object to Valley Wind’s plan – in line with UKIP policy.
Concern was raised over allegations that Lord Dartmouth colluded with Valley Wind over plans to erect a wind farm next to Cupwith Reservoir.
His party, UKIP, is opposed to onshore and offshore wind power.
He said: “I will be registering an objection to the proposed application for wind turbines on the land I once owned.
“I remain fully committed to UKIP’s policy of opposing wind turbine development both onshore and offshore.”
Lord Dartmouth, who denies any involvement with Valley Wind, signed over the land to a group called Rosscroft Ltd on February 10, 2011.
But a detailed agreement for a wind farm on Slaithwaite Moor was signed between Rosscroft and Valley Wind on May 3, 2011 leading to speculation about whether Lord Dartmouth had been involved.
The MEP has previously said the land is now owned by ‘a relative’.
Valley Wind’s planning application was lodged with Kirklees Council in November but councillors are yet to decide on the proposal.
The name ‘William Dartmouth’ is listed on the planning application in the owners and tenants section.
Lord Dartmouth’s links with Rosscroft are difficult to trace as it is run by a web of other companies and directorships based in the Bahamas and Monaco.
But he has admitted Rosscroft “represent the entire extended Dartmouth family... as well as many other clients.”
However, Lord Dartmouth, born William Legge, said: “I made no financial benefit from the transfer of the land and I will not have any financial benefit from the land if the application ever does become successful.”
The Examiner contacted UKIP who failed to respond.
The Examiner contacted Valley Wind Co-op. The company declined to comment.
Valley wind power: The case for and against 99.5m wind turbines in the Colne Valley - click here to read
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